Michie Mee's 'Bahdgyal Revenge!'

Michie ‘BahdGyal’ Mee, Canada’s Queen of Hip Hop, has graced us with an 18-track album entitled ‘BahdGyals Revenge’ and this is a body of work you must hear.  

Michie’s greatness has always been her pen, when it meets paper, when it meets the recording booth, when it meets the dopest beats which leads to this album and the world stage.  Gifting us with Hip Hop interlaced with Dancehall and Reggae as well as Rock n’ Roll (track 15 “What You Talkin’ Bout”), Michie’s revenge is the absolute statement that Hip Hop is not dead.  No disrespect to Rappers, Trappers and those in between.

The Queen’s voice comes after the announcement by Chuck D (track 1 “Intro”) who confirms Michie’s genres of Hip Hop, Reggae and Rock n’ Roll.  Mich takes a moment to lyrically lay the foundation of how she arrived where she is (track 2 “Forgot About Mich”).  After that, it is straight cruise control on her sonic highway.

“Made It” featuring Tonya P pays homage to Michie’s hometown of Toronto, and “BahdGyal Bubble” brings out the hardcore attitude of Dancehall that tumps through the psyche of anyone who thinks that we cannot throw-down north of the border.  Remember, Toronto has the largest Jamaican population outside of New York and Michie is proud to represent that.

Bringing her roots from Jamaica to the fore, “Whey Mee Get It From” honors the Mothers before her.  Artists such as Sister Nancy, Rita Marley, Judy Mowatt, Lady G, Marcia Griffiths, Spice Official, Carla Marshall and Sister Carole paved part of the road Michie has traveled.  Paying respect to these Ladies and more shows the level of respect the BahdGyal has for fellow Queens in Reggae and Dancehall.

Where there is a Queen, you will find a King which makes me appreciate the song “Love.”  The album version is a 2020 upgrade from the original acoustic version released in 2011 (don’t get it wrong, both versions are straight fire).  Lindo P perfectly compliments Michie’s flow who shows a vulnerable side of women – the ones who on rare occasions admit to wanting and needing love.  If black love needed a sound, this song is it.

The album ends with “Made It” (Remix) featuring Kenny Cee.  Although Michie performs this song with Tonya P (track 7), this version ends with heavy elements of Soul that allows Kenny’s lyrics to shine like the beacon of light they are intended to be … yes life will get tough and throw curves but we have to be strong and survive.  That is Michie’s ‘revenge;’ she is strong, and she survived.  Peep her album cover art ... see that single rose growing through the concrete!

Wait ‘til you see what comes next! 

Connect with The Queen on IG @michiebadgyalmee

Stream Bahdgyals Revenge on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/album/3iqxsmcVilI19SYpSqVEfu

Busy Signal's "Got To Tell You"

VP Records is proud to release the new single from reggae/dancehall veteran Busy Signal, “Got to Tell You” from his upcoming album Parts of the Puzzle. Out this Friday April 26th on all digital platforms, and exclusively premiering today on Large Up, the self-produced and self-written track is a high energy dancehall track laced with EDM.

“Got to Tell You” follows the success of his recent string of singles, “Stay So”, “One Way”, “Dolla Van” and more. With hit after hit, Busy Signal has established his talent and staying power in the industry with his versatility in blending dancehall and reggae with EDM, afrobeats, salsa and other international sounds to create hardcore bashment anthems and transcendent global hits.

Born Reanno Gordon, Busy first burst on the dancehall scene as part of iconic deejay Bounty Killer’s Alliance crew over a decade ago, establishing himself as a major factor in the genre with his breakthrough hit “Step Out” and an album by the same name. Successive projects like Loaded and D.O.B. further showcased Busy’s outside-the-box lyrical displays and eclectic ear for rhythms and, in 2012, he went back to basics with Reggae Music Again, an all-reggae set selected as one of the Top 10 albums of the year by the BBC.

In addition to solo work, Busy has enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Major Lazer, who featured him on their 2013 international smash “Watch Out For This (Bumaye)” and “Jump” off 2017’s Know No Better EP, as well as on the title track from No Doubt’s Major Lazer-produced album Push and Shove. A remixed version of “Jump” can be heard in Bacardi’s “Dance Floor” commercial campaign currently airing on TVs across North America. A pioneer in the fusion of dancehall and Afro sounds, Busy Signal has also cultivated deep ties with Africa, frequently visiting countries such as Zimbabwe and Gambia to perform. With one foot firmly planted in the core Caribbean market and the other always exploring new sounds and styles, count on Busy to deliver another epic musical journey. -Some words by Jesse Serwer of Large Up

Stay tuned for the “Got To Tell You” official music video coming soon! 

Reggaenometrist's Tanto Metro & Devonte!

Both having had a successful solo career since the 90’s, TANTO METRO & DEVONTE have reached the highest places on the mainstream charts with songs like ‘Everyone Falls in Love’, ‘Say Whoee’ or ‘Give It To Her’ in the early 2000’s. Both artists represent a major pioneering force of the dancehall movement and have been creating hits for over two decades now.  Along with their humble approach, the striking contrast of Devonte's silky smooth tenor and Tanto Metro's hard-hitting swaggering rhymes was the magic recipe for creating all those hits.

Today, the veteran hit makers continue to add magic to the music industry with their usual mixture of melodic hooks, humorous lines and catchy rhythms. They have now released their fifth studio album ‘Reggaenometrist’, which features songs on classic riddims like ‘Smoke Train’ on the M16 riddim or ‘Next Time’ on the African Beat riddim. They also line up a series of serious party bangers like ‘Love Song’ or ‘Love Will Make You’. Finally they teamed up with other artists to deliver energetic three-the-hard-way songs like ‘Obey’ featuring the Fireman Capleton, ‘Pretty City’ featuring young talent Million Stylez, and ‘Live as One’ featuring Grammy award winner Mykal Rose.

For this fifth studio album, the duo teamed up with producers Lynford ‘Fatta’ Marshall & Richard ‘Bobo’ Bell for 29 West Production/Fat Eyes Productions (Except LIVE AS ONE which was produced by Paul "Patchy" Wright of Island Yard Productions) – The album is being distributed by VPal Music.

Are You Ready?! DJ Khaled's Father of Asahd Coming May 17th, 2019!

Sharing the details for what promises to be his biggest record yet, DJ Khaled reveals his twelfth full-length—the mega-anticipated Father of Asahd—will arrive in stores and at all digital retailers on May 17, 2019 via We The Best Music Group/Epic Records.

The GRAMMY® nominated multiplatinum artist, music industry visionary, innovative influencer, mogul, and mega-producer personally disclosed the date on social media this morning and set the internet on fire as it trended worldwide. In keeping with a history of making major moves in the midst of other major moves, Khaled sends the culture into a frenzy by unveiling the news on the eve of the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards—which he will host for the first time tomorrow, Saturday May 23. It airs LIVE at 8p ET. Expect many surprises and his presence to fuel the proceedings.

Following back-to-back number one debuts on the Billboard Top 200, countless multiplatinum and gold plaques, a Hot 100 #1, and billions of streams, Khaled raised the bar yet again for Father of Asahd. The album represents him at the peak of his powers as an artist, producer, curator, and musical force with his most unexpected and earth-shattering collaborations to date. He will drop more hints soon as well as the first single as anticipation only increases.

Named after his two-year-old son and the album’s co-producer, Father of Asahd stands primed to be his most powerful moment yet. The album drops May 17th, 2019!

Get ready!

Morgan Heritage and Patoranking say "Pay Attention!"

GRAMMY award winning super Reggae group keeps making history, and this time they’re doing it in Kenya, Africa!

The billboard chart topping group known for hits “Down By The River,” “She’s Still Loving Me” and “Psalms 23” featuring Buju Banton, teams with Nigerian star and sensation Patoranking with a song that is an ode to the ladies!

Under the philosophy of French philosopher and political activist Simone Weil who once said “attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity,” the comined musical forces deliver the song “Pay Attention.”  The song is the official second single from the highly anticipated Spring 2019 new Morgan Heritage album. "We’ve been working on the new album for almost 2 years and since setting   up our roots in Kenya, we long looked forward to filming a music video there and knew it

would take place on this new album. We didn’t know it would be for a song so emotional that speaks to men and women around the world, who have been through one thing or the next trying to maintain a healthy relationship. Relationship health can easily be lost because we simply didn’t Pay Attention” Mojo Morgan explained, with Gramps Morgan chiming in "Patoranking has been an artist we’ve been following and have loved the progress he’s made in his career over the last 5 years. So while vibing to the track, we knew Pato was the perfect fit. As the songs captures the perfect blend between dancehall music from Jamaica and the Afro-beat sounds from Africa taking the world by storm.”

An all around labor of love, all artists involved gained worldwide success on their own merit, and genuinely enjoy being representatives of each others country, and musical genres.  "It’s truly an honor when we can work with our peers in the music industry around the world and see their professionally first hand. Though he has become a giant of an artist in Nigeria, Pato is extremely humble and while filming the video in Nairobi, Kenya it would seem like we knew each other for years by the way we clicked. We are looking forward to sharing more music from our new album coming later this Spring and hope the world will love the musical journey we will be taking our fans on. Jah Bless!" - Peetah Morgan

Filmed in Nairobi and Masai Mara, Kenya, the video is giving viewers an insight into Brand Kenya

and the Nairobi Experience. Directed by Jordan Hoechlin and Mojo Morgan with production for the video made possible by CTBC Music Group, Island Vibes Coconut Rum, Bonfire Adventures, Onyx Lounge, Tribe Hotel, J Wonder 21, Eden Mara Camp, Village Market, Mario Tours and Roya Entertainment, "Pay Attention" featured four elegant timeless beautiful models provided by an agency owned by supermodel by Ajuma Nasenyana.

Make It Another One for Exco Levi!

Exco Levi’s 2015 could not get off to a better start and today’s news is yet another cherry on the cake!  Before I get to today’s great news, let me start with Exco’s performance at Sting (December 2014) where he not only performed well, he picked up a legion of new fans.  In January, 2015, Exco performed at Rebel Salute which solidified his placement on fans list as one of their favorite artists.  

Later in January, it was announced that Exco had been nominated for the JaRIA (Jamaican Recording Association) Breakthrough Artist of the Year, and now today, has been nominated for the 2015 Juno Reggae Recording of the Year!

This year marks Exco’s 4^th nomination and I couldn’t be more proud.  The song that put him in the category is “Welcome the King” on the Love Quest Riddim produced by Kheilstone Music based in New York!

Congrats Exco!

P.S.  Look out for Exco's full length studio album entitled Countryman coming March, 2015.

Additional Nominees is the 2015 Best reggae Recording Category are:

Tasha T – Real Talk

Mikey Dangerous – Wake Up

Kirk Diamond ft. Bob da Builder – Love Inna Wi Heart

Steele – Hold On Til I Die

Meghan Trainor Says Forget Bass – It’s All About Reggae!

Her monster and certified platinum hit “All About That Bass” landed her on 58 charts around the world, kept her at #1 for weeks on end, and made her one of the most talked about artists for 2014.  With the energy of that unprecedented success, Ms. Trainor is now preparing to release her album called ‘Title’ (coming January 9^th) in which she’ll forget that bass and throw out some Reggae!

The 21 year old singer (who just celebrated her birthday on December 22^nd) recently spoke about plans for her album which will be released in the UK later this month, and she is quoted as saying “Yo!  I wanna get my Reggae out there!”  Some may be surprised to hear the worlds most beloved genre’s as one of her choices, but it’s actually very close to Meghan’s musical home!

Born in Nantucket, Massachusetts, Meghan began singing at age 6, and song-writing at age 11.  She was also a part of a band called Island Fusion which explored multiple genres including Reggae.  A few years later, she added Jazz to her repertoire!  Her fans are thankful for that influence and loving her sound!

Her second single, "Lips are Movin" will be released in the UK in February!  Trainor is currently nominated in two Grammy categories, Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “All About That Bass,” and Favorite Breakout artist and Favorite Song at the People’s Choice Awards.

Connect with Meghan >>> http://www.meghan-trainor.com/ | @Meghan_Trainor | https://www.youtube.com/user/MeghanTrainorVEVO

Akon Teams with Stephen Marley - Just a Man!

Update:  Monday January 5th, 2015 ... I just received word from Team Akon that "Just a Man" features Stephen Marley and not Damian Marley.  The song was mis-labeled when sent.  Apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused!  This post has been edited for proper credit!

Akon’s relationship with Reggae goes as far back as his musical career.  The truth is, he has always been inspired by Reggae, and, has always incorporated elements of the worlds beloved genre in his music.  One of the artists greatest crossover hit records, “Mama Africa,” produced and co-written by Jamaica’s own Bobby Digital-B Dixon and Paul ‘Computer Paul’ Henton helped seal Akon’s fate with Reggae.  Fast Forward to 2015!

Teaming with Stephen Marley, Akon has released a new single which is a part of his 5 disc forthcoming album called Stadium.  The single, entitled “Just a Man,” hears the artist understand where the woman he loves is coming from:  a place of wanting genuine love from her man.  Akon answers the call with a little help from Jr. Gong singing “I beat you to the punchline girl I love you / now what we / what we gone do / I mean it when I really say I love you / whatever they did I will not do… I’m just a man / trying to love you.”

Jr. Gong adds support to the message by DJing:  “your walls are so impossible I’m tired / as I’m climbing / they keep on multiplying / and every time we progress / we regress in your stress / all I wanna know / is why you can’t let it go….”

There are so many men in the world who want to love a special woman but due to her previous experiences, she makes it very hard.  This is the issue that Akon addresses so ladies pay attention!

Check out this very Reggae chune with a sweet bass line at the links below and make sure you tell Akon and Jr. Gong what you think via Twitter >>> @Akon | @stephenmarley

P.S.  The album Stadium will be released soon and comes in 5 discs:  Electronica / EDM, Pop, World, Urban and Island.  I've previewed a few tracks and can absolutely tell you you'll love it.  

Album Release Party ►►► Exco Levi – Words of the Wise!

It is not by mistake that Exco and team have named his first EP Words of the Wise!  Caring deeply for his fans, and understanding the struggle they have been through, Exco Levi is of the people and for the people and shares his wisdom with the people!

On Sunday May 18^th, 2014, Exco will be up close and personal in Toronto, Canada (his home town away from his original hometown of Manchester), from 8pm to 10pm at Belleeny’s Restaurant & Lounge (4000 Steeles Avenue West at Weston Road).  The artist will be signing CD’s, and will meet and greet with media who wish to receive one on one stories about how some of the songs and recordings came together for the album.  The album was produced by Donovan Germaine of Penthouse Records and is released on the VP Records imprint.

Currently on tour in Europe (May 10^th Exco performs in Muenste, Germany), Exco shared “My journey in Reggae has been strengthening; mixed with ups and downs, and I have a story to tell. This EP is another part of the journey. We are ready to share this with my friends and fans up close at Belleeny's on May 18^th!

Going from strength to strength, Exco opens for Mykal Rose and Jr. Reid on May 24^th, 2014 at the Sound Academy, and will perform this summer in Helsinki, Finland, Toronto, Canada for the fan favourite JAMBANA, Lydbolger, Norway for the Sound Waves Festival, and Calgary, Alberta for the Calgary Reggae Festival and additional dates are being added!

Connect with Exco directly via Twitter >>> @Excolevi and https://www.facebook.com/excolevi.turfjamaica?fref=ts

Buy your copy of the album here:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/words-of-the-wise/id866420760

 

Stephen Souza Gets Physical with VP Records and Moodies Records!

Stephen Souza, also known as the Reggae Gentleman, gets physical with VP Records in Queen’s and Moodies Records in the Bronx via his new album, The Reggae Gentleman, which is now available for sale at those locations!

The 12 track disc features the best in Lover’s Rock.  Track 3, “Is There a Place,” and Track 11, “Starting Over” have been voted fan favorites, as has the most popular chune “Sensi Smoker Pt. 2” recorded to a reworked version of Sly & Robbies Sitting and Watching riddim made famous by Dennis Brown’s famous song of the same name.

While speaking to DJ Snakie of Mello FM, Stephen shared that Dennis Brown was an inspiration to him because of how the artist worked and made music, and also because of the fact that he encouraged him to be on the stage as a performer; Dennis regularly allowed Stephen to open his shows.  Because of that and several other reasons, Stephen recorded the song “Silhouette” as a tribute to the legend.  “No matter what I do I have to include ah D. Brown” said Stephen.  “We have to make sure his memory and his music lives on for all generations to come.  He is really missed.”

Fan reaction to Stephen’s album has been swift.  Since its release, the album has enjoyed steady sales online which is reflected in Stephens ever growing social media sites such as Twitter.  Fans follow the artist for updates on next performances, and interview schedules with local media @stephensouzanyc

In addition to VP Records (170-21 Jamaica Avenue, Queen’s, NY), Moodies Records (3777A White Plains Rd Bronx, NY), and Keelings Records in Brooklyn (1342 St. John’s Place) will also carry the disc.  The album can be purchased online at all leading digital retail outlets including iTunes, CD Baby and Amazon.

Bonus download of Stephen’s latest single “Starting Over” here:

Mediafire Link:  https://www.mediafire.com/folder/80057sc3035wa/The_Reggae_Gentleman

Box.com Link:  https://app.box.com/s/6nw6sy3myzd7v9hbtosx

How Beyonce's 'Beyonce' Stayed Secret Until the Day of Release?!

Without announcement or fanfare, Beyonce’s fifth album, simply entitled ‘Beyonce,’ arrived Friday morning at midnight, and was released without a lead single being released, without promotional video being released, no special performance, and no marketing campaign.  14 Tracks and multiple producers and no one knew it was coming!  How did she do this without a single leak?! 

A lot of code names!  Not only did Beyonce use a lot of code names (according to Andrew Hampp of Billboard Magazine), King Bey used a lot of shifting deadlines which meant that producers and her team were unsure of the actual release date f her album.  What’s more, the final plans regarding the release wasn’t in place until last week.  To tell you how important Bey’s fans are to her, she says “I miss that immersive experience," she says, of watching music videos like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” as a family, as a mass event. "Now people only listen to a few seconds of a song on the iPods and they don’t really invest in the whole experience. It’s all about the single, and the hype. It’s so much that gets between the music and the art and the fans. I felt like, I don't want anybody to get the message, when my record is coming out. I just want this to come out when it’s ready and from me to my fans." 

On the executive level, final meetings were held with Columbia, Parkwood (Beyonce’s management company) late last week, and with iTunes to finalize plans for the album, which was code-named “Lily” to avoid leaks. Another final meeting announcing the album to employees and producers was held at Columbia on Thursday, Dec. 12. Only the most senior executives at iTunes, the album’s exclusive distributor until a planned physical release on Dec. 21, were clued in on the plans. 

As for promo plans, Beyonce is in the midst of wrapping up the U.S. leg of her Mrs. Carter Tour, which plays New York’s Barclays Center next Thursday (Dec. 19.) Though plans were still being finalized, a screening event featuring a theatrical presentation of the 14 videos are being prepared.

Celine Dion – Loved Me Back to Life!

Greetings!

Coming November 8^th, 2013, Celine Dion’s newest studio album entitled Loved Me Back to Life is approximately 11 days away from release, and to ‘wet’ the appetite of her eager fans, the Queen has shared a preview of her second lead single which I confess, have greedily consumed.   

The second lead single is a remake with Stevie Wonder called “Overjoyed” and that is exactly what fans will be. 

Using a symphonic opening as grand as Celine’s show in Las Vegas (slight exaggeration but you get my point), we hear the sweet introduction with Stevie’s voice singing “over time / I’ve been building my castle of Love….” Oh those familiar lyrics; classic melody which has become institutional for lovers of true Adult Contemporary!  We didn’t think a sing so fine could get any better, until the sweet voice of Celine comes in singing “over dreams / I have picked out a perfect come true / though you’d never / knew it  was of you I’ve been dreaming / the sand man has come from too far away / for you to say come back some other day….” 

Using an underlying syncopation similar to Billy Joel’s classic “Just the Way You Are,” Celine and Stevie draw us deep in to their vocal interplay which pays the ultimate compliment between the two. 

If this track is any indication of how great Celine’s album is going to be, then you know it is going to be brilliant! 

Here’s the track listing: 

1. Loved Me Back to Life

2. Somebody Loves Somebody
3. Incredible (duet with Ne-Yo)
4. Water And A Flame
5. Breakaway
6. Save Your Soul
7. Didn’t Know Love
8. Thank You
9. Overjoyed (duet with Stevie Wonder)
10. Thankful
11. At Seventeen
12. Always Be Your Girl
13. Unfinished Songs

P.S.  Tweet Celine your thoughts >>> @celinedion | +CelineDionGR6 

 

Ira Losco “ME LUV U LONG TIME!”

Exclusive today in Natasha's Music Box is info on the latest single from Ira Losco called "Me Luv U Long Time!"  Hailing from the UK, we were introduced to Ira from our friends at Jagged House and Alam Records.  Thanks guys!

Ira Losco, the stunning Pop artist, has just released the video, accompanying the third single "Me Luv u Long Time" from her latest album "The Fire." A favorite amongst her fans, the song has already hit the number 1 spot on the local radio waves and PRS charts.

The video which was directed and produced by 'The Bigger Picture” was shot in two days. It depicts Ira Losco alongside an older version of herself, where they’re both dressed in the same attire, possibly suggesting that they are the same person. This is complimented with another scene where she finds herself in a burlesque-styled banquet, surrounded by guests who are acting over friendly. One particular scene, which is very artistic, is where the director plays with the use of light vs. shadow as well as whites vs. blacks, reminiscent of the underlying two tone Ska feel of the song. This is mostly evident in the dub step breakdown part of the song.

 

'Me Luv U Long Time' is the 3rd music video for Ira Losco from her latest album, which has maintained the no.1 spot for 11 consecutive weeks on I tunes Malta followed by Adele and Coldplay.

With already two previous singles  “ What I’d Give” and “ The Person I Am” topping the radio charts and the latest single “ Me Luv U Long Time “ maintaining a no.1 spot on radios for the 2^nd consecutive week, The Fire” is undoubtedly turning out to be her best album to date.  

“Writing this album was like a release. There was so much I wanted to say and experiment with. I had no inhibitions and I wanted to bare my soul without setting any parameters. Many a time artists find them selves constrained through a genre because their music is pigeon holed. ” Said Ira Losco 

Performing in 15 different countries around the world, with over 20 music awards under her belt, remembered mostly for her outstanding performance at The Isle of MTV and a close win with her 2^nd placing in Eurovision, Ira Losco has been Malta’s leading female artist for the last decade.  

Her latest album “ The Fire” can be purchased from all digital portals around the world. Fans are asked to visit Ira Losco’s popular You Tube channel - http://www.youtube.com/user/IraLosco - and face book fan page – https://www.facebook.com/iraloscofanpage where they can find more info about the artist and current news.

www.iralosco.com



VETERAN REGGAE SINGER LLOYD BROWN RELEASES FIRST SINGLE FROM ALBUM ROOTICAL

Zion High Productions, a premiere US-based conscious roots reggae imprint, reaches across the ocean for a genuinely Rootical album release from the veteran Reggae vocalist, Lloyd Brown. ‘What You Sow’, the album’s first single, elaborates on the dub one drop while Brown cleverly emphasizes the dub delay with lyrics just a step behind the beat. This, Brown's 17th album to hit the world stage, is a defining moment in his storied career over three decades. Drawing directly from UK lovers reggae, the timelessly popular Virgin Islands roots and foundation Jamaican dub rockers vibes, Rootical can rightly claim legitimate roots in each of these genres. Rootical will be released October 1st on iTunes, October 8th on CD and all digital vendors.

Backed by the Zion I Kings production team (Laurent ‘Tippy’ Alfred, Andrew ‘Moon’ Bain and Jah David), each of the 13 tracks are rooted in ZHP’s signature recording, mixing and mastering values as heard on critically acclaimed projects earlier this year from Cornel Campbell and General Jah Mikey. While the root of the album is conscious reggae, Lloyd Brown finds fertile ground within a world of music to nurture an organic and dynamic listening experience. Rootical is distributed by A-Train Entertainment.

 

Tracklist 1.       Live In Love 2.      Keep On Keeping On feat Jahdan Blakkamoore 3.      Rootical feat Pressure 4.      What You Sow 5.      Not From Me 6.      Winds Of Change 7.      Have I Got Through To you 8.     Na Na Na 9.      I Don’t Think You Heard Me 10.  How Could I feat Yisrael Emmanuel 11.   Together feat Queen Omega 12.  Just One Time 13.  Can’t Lost Sight